Monthly Archives: October 2012

Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

For our third day at Palawan, it’s time to head to the beach. Another travel tour from an agency, we were picked up by the van at around 8am. And off we went to the Honda Bay port after stopping over to a swimming equipment rental gear shop. Equipment rental cost 150php, however if you want to get it cheaper, just rent your equipments at the honda bay port. They cost only 100php. Better off just bring your own! A pair of swimming shoes, and googles is already good to go! After the registration process (long lines again) taken cared of by the tour guide, we rode the boat that will take us to the following islands:

Honda Bay Island Hopping

  • Pambatu Reef (Mini Tubbattaha Reef as they call it) *not so interesting, the waters are murky, you can’t see that much

  • Starfish Island (because of the many ‘Starfish’ found in the island). We took our lunch here, prepared by the tour agency also

  • Pandan Island (named for its abundance of ‘Pandan plants) preferred snorkeling area, you could swim almost anywhere some at even knee deep water for those non swimmers and you’ll already lots and lots of fish. Just recently they stopped the fish feeding here.

Other islands in the area not included in the tour:

  • Snake island (named after the shape of the island NOT it’s inhabitants!)
  • Cowrie Island.
  • Cannon Island
  • Bat Island. Around 6pm thousands of flying bats in the area
  • Lu-li Island (which is visible only with low tide). came from two words – lulubog at lilitaw

Budget way to Tour the Honda Bay:

Here’s how: *Take note you have to leave early around 6 or 7am, so you’ll not need to rush together with the tour agencies who’ll be arriving at around 8 or 9am. They always gets prioritized.

Board a Jeepney bound to Sta Lourdes Honda Bay (signage) Fare is around 10 pesos only
Upon arrival, head to the registration area, where you’ll have to pay for certain fees.
*Better to find another group not on a tour agency (max. of 6 people) to share the rent of one small boat that costs 1,200php Boat rental : small boat for 1,200php divided by how many are you.
If all goes well, wait for your boat number to be called and you’re all set!
Other fees to be paid are the minimal entrance fees at the islands, And of course, as a back packer, always bring your own baon! haha.
After the island hopping, hire a trike to get you at the intersection where you could already hail a jeepney going back to the ‘Bayan. Fare to tricycle is 8php. Jeepney fare going to bayan is 10php.

**You could also try strolling, and just a few meters away from the Honda Bay port you could visit the Chinese temple along the way. I’m sure you’ll have bragging rights of having pictures of this to your friends, as this is not usually included in the Honda Bay Tour that agencies offer. haha. But if you still wanna avail of the tour, go ahead and pay your 1,300php per head. I don’t think it’s worth it though.

The above blog post is part of my Family Trip to Palawan Adventure series of posts that happened last October 25-28, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour | Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)  | Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)

Day 2 itinerary – yes! the ever most awaited highlight of going to Palawan (they say you haven’t been to Palawan if you haven’t seen the underground River).

Since the declaration of Palawan Underground River as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, tourist (both locals and foreign) have been pouring to visit the historic site.

How to Book Underground River Tour?

And if there’s one ‘tour’ that I’d like to recommend you to avail (yes even you budget packers like me) is this.

Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Last time me and my buddy went to Palawan we didn’t got the chance to see the UR since the permit slots are fully booked.

You see the Palawan Department of Tourism provides these permits, you need to obtain them from the city prior to going to Sabang (where the UR is located). Permit registration is a very very veeeerrrry looooong process if you’re a walk in. I’ve tried this before. People shouting, long lines, favoritism, the usual you see in a Philippine government system scene. You don’t wanna go through this.

And so the ‘tour’ agencies are born. They make life a whole lot easier. All you have to do is text them (yes, no need to go to the tourism office, even at the comfort of your own homes you could already book a permit). Just send them your complete name (be very careful not to misspell it or you’ll never be going to see the Underground River), with your birthday, and poof! You’re already booked, Magic eh?!

Well I guess that’s just how the system works in the Philippines!

Anyway, to make the long story short. We did avail this, and at around 7am we were picked up by the van that took us to Sabang. From there, our tour guide took care of all the queuing and long lines, we just have to wait until it’s our time.

And I would like to commend our guide, Peter (St Peter as we called him. haha) from Top Star Travel Agency, he made it a breeeze! Nauna pa kami kesa dun sa mga nauna pang dumating sa amin!

I know if’s unfair, but well you know if you’re the one traded more fairly it just becomes fair. haha.

So here are some pics of our tour.

Buffet After the Tour

After the unwinding journey inside the cave, we took our buffet lunch courtesy of the tour agency.

And yes I don’t wanna miss visiting Palawan without having a taste of one of their delicacies, another exotic food – the TAMILOK!

Tamilok at Palawan

Taken from the inside of the trees, these ‘tree’ eating semi wormlike squishy creatures from the family of sea urchins, shells, and clams, is a delicious treat found in this province, even featured in Fear Factor, Usually paired with a vinegar, Tamilok are best eaten raw. Yummy! *It has just a little after taste. But I recommend you adventurers to try it! One serving in a bowl cost 100php. They say capturing and finding these ‘tamilok’ is a difficult process, hence its expensiveness.

Palawan Underground River Tips and Tricks

Tip: If you wanna hold the light going inside the cave, stay in FRONT of the boat. You just have to be a good listener and must know what ‘LEFT’ and ‘RIGHT’ means, since the guide will be asking you to point the light from his directions.

And if you wanna hear a detail and closer tour explanation, stay at the back portion of the boat near the guide. Recommended to those who have hearing difficulties.

Underground River Tour Travel Agency

  • Top Star Travel Agency: 09088995002
  • Cost: 1,500php per person with free buffet lunch, travel, etc.

And an AdventuRoj shirt to end the day!

The above blog post is part of my Family Trip to Palawan Adventure series of posts that happened last October 25-28, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour | Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)  | Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour

It’s my mom’s birthday! And yes another reason for Adventuroj to celebrate!

And to share my adventurous feet to my family, I planned to take them to Palawan (since the last for my dad was at Boracay). And since I’ve been already here before, I’ll be their tour guide. But for convenience sake (it’s always a priority when you’re with mine believe me. haha!) I’ve just booked a tour package.

First day itinerary:

  • Arrival at Palawan – 10am

  • Travel to Jamp Pension House with free transfer (sundo)

  • Preparation for the City Tour ++ Freshen up
  • Lunch at DAMPA Seafood Restaurant

  • City Tour (free pick up by Travelwise Tour Agency) – 1pm

Palawan City Tour

The city tour included a visit to the following places:

  • Running tour at Palawan Baywalk (best visited at night time to unwind as the place is located near the beach)
  • Puerto Princesa City Cathedral
  • Plaza Cuartel
  • Pasalubong Center
  • Irawan Crocodile Park
  • Mitra’s Ranch
  • Baker’s Hill (with free merienda from the tour package)

How Much is Palawan City Tour?

  • Regular tour packages cost 600php (transportation is via van)

Palawan City Tour Contact

  • Travel wise Tour Agency – 09284204271

Budget Palawan City Tour

  • However if you’re on a tight budget, like me when I’m travelling alone or I’m in on my adventures, you could rent a tricycle (which could fit up to 4 persons) for only 300php.
  • Way off better since you could control your time, no need to rush unlike when you’re with a tour group as you ‘own’ the tricycle. haha
  • Or if you really are on a tightest tight budget – then you may follow this.
Take a multicab going to Sta Monica, tell driver to stop at the Butterfly Garden 20
After visiting Butterfly garden, take another trike to let you bring to Baker’s Hill (2km) 15
Take another tricke or have a walk to Mitra’s Ranch (1km) 15
Try to have a walk back again to Baker’s hill or take a trike, tell the driver to bring you to Nat’l Highway and there wait until another Multicab going to Irawan, and tell the driver to stop at the Crocodile Farm. 7
Stop over to Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
At night Firefly Watching @Iwahig River, PPS City
Ride Multicab back to City
OR
Rode “Bayan – City Hall” jeep to City Hall (P7) 7
Puerto Princesa City Hall
Puerto Princesa Sports Complex
Rode “Irawan Jeep” to intersection going to Baker’s Mill / Mitra’s Ranch
Rode Tricycle to Mitra’s Ranch (P15) 15
Walked to Baker’s Hill. BUY HOPIA. 43/BOX
Rode Tricycle back to highway intersection (P15) 15
Rode “Irawan” jeep to Rizal Ave (P7) 7

Stay tuned for the remaining Palawan adventure!

The above blog post is part of my Family Trip to Palawan Adventure series of posts that happened last October 25-28, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour | Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)  | Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

10 Days, 3 Countries: Vietnam – Cambodia – Thailand Trip Planner

Yes! An adventure cooking soon, only here at Adventuroj! Courtesy of yet another Cebu Pacific Air Seat Sale, I and my travel bud are able to book a budget flight to these 3 destinations.

No need to get excited yet, but here I am blabbering about it like a kid wanting that piece of lollipop.

The trip’s not set until next year, on Independence Day: June 12- June 21 [Best way to celebrate freedom!], we will be embarking on a 10 day – 3 country tour in Southeast Asia. The start of my dreams in fulfillment.

10 Days Across 3 Countries: An adventure cooking soon at Adventuroj.com! Watch out!

For this trip, we’ll be Visiting Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Specifically, we’ll be visiting Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Phen, Siem Reap and Bangkok. Below is the suggested itinerary:

SUGGESTED ITINERARY: VIETNAM – CAMBODIA – THAILAND

Day 1

We’ll leave Philippines for Vietnam, via Cebu Pacific. The flight will leave around 10:50 PM and will take about 2 1/2 hours.

Day 2

We’ll arrive in Ho Chi Minh at around 00:20, local time, with enough time to sleep at the airport? haha. Talk about saving!

Then, at 7AM we’ll go on a tour. We’re still choosing between a City Tour, Cu Chi Tunnel Tour or the Mekong Delta Tour. For Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta, lunch will be included in the tour. If it’s the city tour, the best place for lunch is inside Ben Than Market.

For dinner, we’ll head to Tricolore Restaurant along Pam Ngu Lao, where they serve both Vietnamese and Italian food.

Day 3

We’ll take the first bus to Cambodia on the third day. We’ll leave HCMC at around 6AM for a 6-hour bus ride to Phnom Phen. Brunch will be along way, on one of the stops.

We’ll arrive in Phnom Phen around lunch time, check in at the hotel and head for lunch.

Then, we’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Dinner will be in one of the local restaurants.

Get Cambodia VISA here.

Day 4

We’ll have breakfast at the hotel, then take the first bus to Siem Reap. We’ll leave around 7AM and the trip would take about 5 hours.

We’ll arrive in Siem Reap around noon, check in at the hotel then head off for lunch. After lunch, we’ll visit the Angkor Wat Museum.

We’ll take a stroll along the river, then maybe have some fish spa/massage. Just before sunset, we’ll head off to Angkor Wat.

Then end the day with a dinner in one of the nice restaurants in Pub Street.

Day 5

We’ll have an early breakfast and spend the entire day visiting Angkor and all the other temples.

We’ll go on a city tour and then have a relaxing day.

We’ll have dinner in one of the local restaurants near the old market, or maybe in the open market stalls.

Day 6

Start the day early to head off to Bangkok for a 7 hour bus ride.

We’ll arrive in Bangkok at around 4PM, and check in at a budget hostel.

Tour the city until dinner time.

Day 7

We’ll go on a floating market tour in the morning, in Damnoen Saduak.

In the afternoon, we’ll go on a some sites in the city tour.

Day 8

We’ll go on a tour to Kanchanaburi for the Death Railway and Elephant Sanctuary.

We’ll finish the day with a Thai massage in Thailand. LOL

Day 9

We’ll spend our last day in Bangkok doing the city tour, and eating as much as we can 🙂

Day 10

We’ll catch our flight back to the Philippines.

So are you excited? Got any additional travel tips? Suggestions? Feel free to do so!

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine

Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Guimaras is synonymous to the sweetest fruit that the island produce, Mangoes. (Mangoes has its season and may not be available at all times). Definitely there are a few who have known the beauty and charm of this island, a place of solitude to escape the fast pace of life; a retreat from the “concrete jungles” that surround many of us; serene environment where you can lose your worries and indulge in true rest and relaxation.

So why would one dare miss a visit to this enchanting place if the opportunity is already at hand? Adventuroj surely won’t.

Iloilo to Guimaras Trip

After departing Ong Bun Pension house in Iloilo city (just checked in there fresh from Kalibo, left our baggage, and freshen up a bit), my family and I immediately headed to Parola port for the boats that will take us to Guimaras. (There is actually another port [Ortiz Wharf] which also plies the Iloilo-Guimaras route but since it’s September and it’s habagat season the waves will be bigger than the usual, taking boats from Ortiz Wharf boats are discouraged.)

Guimaras Island can only be reached by a boat (Php 14 per person).

Guimaras Tour

After arriving at the island, we went straight ahead to the tourist information located at the waiting shed outside the arrival area of the Jordan Wharf. Then register. They also provided options for your transportation and provide you with a map around the island. There’s a set rate for vehicle rentals regulated by the Guimaras Provincial Government.  We end up with a rented multicab for 1,800php for the whole day tour.

Tour includes the following:

  • Smallest Plaza
  • Trappist Monastery
  • Camp Alfredo
  • Alubihod beach
  • Raymen Beach
  • Macopo Falls
  • 17th Century Old Guisi Light house
  • Pasalubong Center and the Provincial Capitol
  • Museo de Guimaras

Smallest Plaza

Have your photo taken at the once smallest plaza in the world! Guimaras once held the word record for this tiny plaza. I am not sure if they have been dethroned or what for now but the plaza is really cool.

Trappist Monastery

If you’re looking for some peaceful ambiance, then you could opt to stay here. It is very quiet and the place has this totally spiritual feel to it. Also do not forget to hit the Trappist Abbey gift shop for some very cool mango-infused pasalubong to bring home to your family and friends.

Raymen Beach

We took our lunch here at Raymen Beach Resort at Alubihod, Nueva Valencia.

The scenic view of the beach is also a beauty not worth missing when you’re here. If Zamboanga boasts of its Pink Sand beaches, Boracay of its white, then Guimaras surely won’t be behind with its yellow shoreline.

Raymen also offers an island hopping tour that includes Ave Maria Beach, Lawi Marine Turtle Rescue Center, Buho Ramirez Cave, Natago Beach, Sol y Luna and Baras Beach Resort/Cave but since it’s running out of time and we’ve already had enough of our Boracay Island Hopping, we just decline the adventure for now. (I’ll be sure to come back here next time but no longer w/ my family, it’s real hard to travel with the unequally adventurous ones. hehe)

17th Century Old Guisi Light house

Here we’ve had most of our photo ops. You’ll surely be amazed with the ruins of this 17th Century Old Lighthouse, the 2nd oldest in the country according to the tour guide. Imagine that!

After a trekking the Light house, you could freshen up with a Buko at the crossroads nearby.

You could also visit other beach resorts near Guisi Lighthouse. When I come back here, I’ll make sure to spend a night here. 🙂

Other Sights and Scenes

*Tip: Try to come to Guimaras during mango season. Obviously I was not able to taste the sweetest mangoes in the country because the season is far out but really don’t feel bad for me because I was able to buy a green one, brought it home in Davao and just waited for it to ripen up. Hehe. It’s also funny to know that in Iloilo we were able to find ripe mangoes from Guimaras (we tried some when we’ve had our Dinner @Tatoy’s) but in Guimaras we found no ripe ones. How ironic!

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Exploring the White Islands of Boracay

“Home is where the heart is, and my heart is wherever I am at the moment.” — Lily Leung

We started early for our day. After a refreshing early morning coffee, we texted our contact for the island hopping, Kuya Nelson (09103546758). We just bought some ‘pandesal'(bread) at a nearby bakeshop to be used for the fish feeding later. We then hopped in a trike to be transported to where the boats are docked.

Boracay Island Hopping!

Today’s Itinerary

Off and away!

Pasalubong Buying at D’Mall

**Click on each link to read the rest of the adventure.

Boracay Boatman Contact

Boating at Boracay

  • Kuya Nelson (09103546758)
  • Rate: 1,500-1,800php.
The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo

At around 3pm, we are now ready to say goodbye to this wonderful island. We will be heading back to Kalibo to spend the night there with my mother’s relatives.

The travel from Caticlan to Kalibo is just a short one. Upon your arrival at the port of Caticlan there are public vans that you could hop on to bring you directly to Kalibo. Fare is 100php. (We were even mistaken as heading to the Kalibo airport by the dispatcher, and we paid 175php). Luckily we were refunded upon or arrival at Kalibo.

The entire day was spend strolling along Aklan’s Capital.

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Beach Bumming at Boracay

After the long but fun filled day, we heeaded to the white beach and beach bum the whole afternoon.

Boracay is a 10 square miles island right in the heart of the exotic Philippine archipelago. Travelers from around the world awaits magnificent beaches, excellent infrastructure comprising a wide selection of 1-5 star accommodation, plenty of leisure activities, extensive shopping opportunities, delicious food and an exciting nightlife in the clubs and bars of Boracay.

Despite the relatively small size of Boracay it has much to offer.

Thus, Boracay’s famous White Beach, with its crystal clear water and fine white sand has been voted in 2007 by Yahoo Travel as the most beautiful beach in the world.

Who couldn’t resist this paradise?

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration!

Be escorted away to the dive site. Climb down a ladder until the water is at shoulder height, once in this position a helmet that has clear glass plates is placed over your head. Climb down the ladder even further down until you are standing on the ocean floor (around 10 ft. below the surface). Walk along Boracay’s sea bed accompanied by a guide. This is a wonderful excursion and a close-up view of underwater life.

**I just don’t like the long queues and waiting time. Tip: If you wish to savour this moment make it your first stop so you won’t have to queue long.

Helmet Diving Video

Helmet Diving Contact Person:

  • Kuya Nelson (09103546758)
  • Price: 250 PHP per Person

Inclusions:
• Boat ride to the site
• Assistance from 1-2 PADI qualified dive instructors
• Helmet dive equipment
• Free souvenir pictures
• Our friendly coordinator will escort you to the boat pick-up location

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay

Boracay is an island of many possibilities, famous not only for its postcard-perfect White Beach, but also the wealth of recreation and entertainment options it offers. A many of these activities revolve around the clear blue ocean, with snorkelling ranking high with the island’s visitors.

Snorkelling is one of the more popular activities in the island, especially for families since it is the easiest way to discover the wonders under the sea. With the right snorkelling techniques and equipment, you will enjoy sightseeing under the pristine waters of the island.

There are many great places to snorkel around Boracay, especially near its beautiful beaches where undisturbed marine life can be admired.

Feeding the fish bread is fun, but the reef is not the best i’ve seen in the philippines. The waters here are a bit murky compared to other snorkeling sites I’ve seen (Davao’s Talicud Island and Panglao are even better). The current can get strong so you may need to hold onto the boat or a rope to avoid being swept off, but it’s a fun time.

After tiring yourself with snorkeling, what perfect way to replenish yourself than by drinking fresh coconut. And how would you do that when you are a couple of hundred meters away from the shore? Well, they bring you the coconut instead, that’s how! A couple of vendors paddled around the snorkeling area with a small boat (or surfboard?) full of probably up to 20 coconuts. Now that’s entrepreneurship!

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour